Soon shall come the day when every light goes out,
when golden leaves quit falling,
and lark and jay shall fail to sing.
The water will not break against the rocks,
the sun will finally surrender,
and the moon will hide from sight.
Alto and soprano will all be silenced,
every lip will be dry and departed,
the lover’s ring will fall,
a child’s cry to be heard no more,
handshakes and hugs will end.
He will not visit,
she will not call,
they will not laugh across the room,
and those will rage no longer.
Traffic will not toddle in the night,
the city lights won’t spark.
The cacophony will quell,
and every breeze will stall.
Sweet rolls and swimming pools,
horseback rides and holidays,
friendships and firestorms,
dreams and decisions
all too soon gone,
interred into those things forgotten.

Breathe deep and drink the light.
Stare far into the eyes of those close by
and flood your heart with joy.
Run, don’t walk,
and speak loudly, with passion, for
you are here!
Settle scores,
and this day seek out new sidewalks,
new stories,
new stars,
new starts.
Today, you live and may love.
Let your smile fill the universe
and bear the fire known
by every heart
granted this sacred arc of life.

—

Free Verse
April 23, 2014